Am I entitled to anything?

sammy_kaye18

Hi all

I'm looking for advice. I am highly considering leaving my job.


I work in our local shop, which is very stressful, understaffed, over worked and a horrible atmosphere. Recently since my brother passed away in April I have been experiencing panic attacks, which made trying to stand on the till unbearable. I experienced numbness, palpitations, dizziness, tight chest, flushes and difficulty concentrating. They did subside but since the end of July they have been getting worse to the point i feel like i am about to pass out behind the till, i hyperventilate, have the urge to go to the bathroom and the dizzyness got so bad i literally had to call for someone to take over and run off the till.

i have seen the doctor who previously diagnosed anxiety but have me no medication when they first returned, but the recent episode he has given me blood tests that were all clear but i am experiencing dizzyness at home which is making everyday things awkward, coupled with the fact i think i have developed agoraphobia as well.
I have been signed off for two weeks

I am not looking to claim JSA at present as I know realistically I have to be actively looking for work and until my health improves it would be pointless but with two small children (aged 9 and 3 years) I am worried about providing for them. My partner works full time and earns about £1000 a month (about £12K a year)

I hope once my health improves to go back to work part time. I have worked since I was in school at 15 years old too so it's not a case of being work shy or not wanting to work.

Any advice I would greatly appreciate

mummyroysof3

Would you be able to cut down spending and manage on his wages and what tax credits and child benefit you get? Even if its temp just to give you chance to feel better and more able to get a different job?

HappyMJ

You can claim extra child tax credits due to your lower income if you were to stop working.

pmlindyloo

Put your details into here:

http://www.turn2us.org.uk/benefits_search.aspx

If you gave up work then you would probably be entitled to CB, Tax credits, HB and CT support.

If you are receiving any of these at the moment then you would need to inform them of a change of circumstances. If you don't receive them, apply.

Panic attacks can be horrible. Has your doctor suggested any other form of support?

Caz3121

HappyMJ wrote: »

You can claim extra child tax credits due to your lower income if you were to stop working.

but do remember when you give them that your new revised income figure for the year will be
Partners income + your income from 6th April till you leave

this should give you an idea of the revised figure http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits/people-advise-others/entitlement-tables/work-and-child/work-no-childcosts.htm
Whether this is an increase or not will depend on what income your calculation for this year was based on